Page 74 of Relentless

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Liam straightened, his gaze locked on Cade. “What did the waitress tell you?” Based on the EOD man’s expression, his news wasn’t good.

“Baker approached Darla, your waitress, and asked her to dump either a plate of food or Piper’s drink in her lap. He claimed to be Piper’s brother, back from a fourteen-month deployment in the Army and wanted to surprise her. He said he and Piper pulled practical jokes on each other and she wouldn’t be angry. Darla didn’t know he intended to kidnap Piper.”

He frowned. “That’s what we guessed. What’s the problem?”

“Baker wasn’t alone. Another man was with him.”

Liam dragged a hand down his face. Great. Barone was hiring outside talent in pairs. Even if Zane unearthed pictures of Barone’s crew, he wouldn’t have photos of the hired talent.

Cade was right. He needed to take Piper away from Copper Ridge. Unfortunately, he was taking her to Hartman and her uncle. At least there, though, he’d know everyone except his team was a potential enemy.

He glanced at Piper. “I’d feel better about your safety if we’re on the road rather than here in Copper Ridge.”

“I’ll do whatever is best for me and your teammates.”

He kissed her forehead. “Thanks. As soon as Simon returns, we’ll leave.”

“I’ll pack.” Piper set aside the blanket and walked to her room, closing the door behind her.

“Is she all right?” Cade asked.

Liam jammed a hand through his hair. “She’s shaken up by the kidnapping and half afraid her uncle is behind it. We have to end this, Cade. She’ll won’t be safe until we uncover every secret.”

“And if it turns out her fear is correct, that her uncle is responsible for this chaos?” Trent asked.

“At least she’ll know the truth. She’s strong. She can handle whatever comes.”

“She’ll have to be if she wants a relationship with you, Liam.” Trent folded his arms across his chest. “Don’t think I didn’t notice the hot looks going back and forth between you two. What gives, buddy?”

He could blow off the inquiry but why? His teammates were his friends and they knew him better than anyone, including his family. “She loves me, and we’re unofficially engaged.”

Both men congratulated him and clapped him on the shoulder. “Good job, man.” Cade grinned. “Sasha will be thrilled to hear the news.”

“Grace, too,” Trent said. “When can we tell them?”

“I want to give Piper the chance to tell Delilah first. After that, you’re free to tell the news.”

“Excellent.” A pointed look from his team leader. “Tell Piper to call Delilah before we leave. Grace and the others need something good to talk about to distract them from what we might face in Hartman.”

“Copy that.” He’d be searching for good things to tell Piper when he was in harm’s way. If he could keep his job.

A sharp pain speared Liam’s heart at the thought of giving up the job he loved. He’d do it in a heartbeat to keep Piper safe. He hated to lose touch with Trent, Matt, Cade, and especially Simon.

The suite door opened. Simon walked in, followed by Matt. “How is Piper?” Simon asked.

“Five stitches in her lip, cuts and scrapes on her hands and arms,” Matt answered as he handed a makeshift ice pack to Liam. “Ice the ribs. You can’t afford to be immobile.”

Trent frowned. “How bad are the ribs?”

Liam waved his concern aside. “Bruised. What did the cops say, Simon?”

“Not much since I wasn’t involved in Baker’s takedown.” His eyes gleamed with amusement. “Copper Ridge’s finest isn’t impressed with you leaving the scene of the crime with their star witness.”

“I was more interested in Matt checking Piper’s injuries than waiting for the cops. Besides, we answered Barrett and Kerrigan’s questions here in the suite. Now that I know we have another man involved, I’m glad I made that call.”

Simon’s eyebrows rose. “Another man?”

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